Women feed us. It’s an obvious fact.
But—despite the fact that more than half of culinary graduates are women—they make up only 22 percent of head chefs at U.S. restaurants. Why? Lack of access to capital, affordable childcare and media coverage—to name a few reasons.
In Philly, women-run kitchens make our culinary scene rich, nutritious and diverse. And it’s not surprising that many of them stepped up to deliver meals to healthcare workers and distribute groceries to their communities during the pandemic.
Here’s a list of some of our favorite women-run restaurants that we can support right now and ensure they make it to the other side of this ongoing crisis as strong as ever. 👩🍳
Women-owned restaurants in Philly to try right now
BAOLOGY
Judy Ni’s menu includes longevity noodles, bian dang (a Taiwanese-style bento), ruen bing (Taiwanese wraps) and more. Plus, you can get frozen potstickers and meal kits to cook at home. Open Tuesday-Friday, noon-8pm for pickup and delivery via Caviar. 1829 JFK Boulevard, Rittenhouse, 215-999-2263
BARBUZZO
Take home Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney’s Mediterranean dishes like whipped ricotta with Sicilian oregano and country bread, wood-fired pizzas, or their famous salted caramel budino. Keep your eye on their IG for frequent specials and deals. Offering delivery through Caviar and onsite pick-up everyday, see hours here. 110 S. 13th Street, Midtown Village, 215-546-9300
SIDE NOTE: Safran and Turney also own other Midtown Village classic Italian joint Little Nonna’s and Midwest-inspired eatery Bud & Marilyn’s—both great spots for a night out for din-din.
BAR BOMBÓN
Try owner Nicole Marquis’ Latin-inspired vegan dishes like the Philly “steak” empanadas, tostones, and the double “chorizo” burger. The whole menu is so jam-packed with flavor, you won’t even miss the meat. Happy hour specials Monday-Friday, 3-6pm. See up-to-date hours here. 133 S. 18th Street, Rittenhouse, 267-606-6612
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CAFÉ YNEZ
Owner Jill Weber is offering Mexican specialties like tortas, fajitas and enchiladas. Order for pickup or delivery Tuesday-Thursday, 10am-9pm, and Friday-Saturday, 10am-10pm. 2025 Washington Avenue, Point Breeze, 215-278-7579
SIDE NOTE: Weber also owns JET Wine Bar on South Street—a great place to try unique wines from all around the world.
EL MERKURY
Sofia Deleon offers Central American street food like taquitos and pupusas and a dizzying selection of churros (mayan chocolate, Chinatown, tres leches… to name a few). You can also get sides and stewed meats by the pound, like hilacha chicken: slow braised white meat with tomatillo, achiote and ancho chile. Pick-up or get delivery, Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm. 2104 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse, 267-457-5952
SIDE NOTE: There’s also an El Merkury location in Reading Terminal.
FRANNY LOU’S PORCH
Blew Kind serves bocadillos (sandwiches) and salads made with local organic ingredients, as well as coffee, tea, and specialty drinks like the iced lavender matcha. Order for pickup or delivery, Monday-Sunday, 8am-4pm. 2400 Coral Street, Kensington, 267-596-6274
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HARDENA
The ladies at Hardena are still serving up their comforting Indonesian dishes—like chicken satay, vegetable stew with lemongrass and goat curry. Check their IG for the most up-to-date menu. Open for pickup Wednesday-Monday, 12-8pm. 1754 S. Hicks Street, Newbold, 215-271-9442
JEZABEL’S ARGENTINE CAFÉ & BAKERY
Get Argentine specialties like mafalda (crossaint sandwich with ham and cheese), alfajores and the empanadas Jezabel is known for—plus quiche, fresh salads and more. Pick-up or get delivery Thursday-Monday from 9am-4pm. 206 S. 45th Street, West Philly, 215-554-7380
KALAYA
Get traditional Thai dishes like kang pae (goat curry), som tum (green papaya salad), and kanom jeeb (shumai dumplings). Open for delivery or pick-up Monday-Friday, 5-9pm and Saturday-Sunday 4-9pm. 764 S. 9th Street, Bella Vista, 215-385-3777
MACMART
It’s the perfect comfort food—order the Rittenhouse for classic mac topped with creamy garlic sautéed spinach and artichoke dip, and potato chip panko crunch. Call for pick up or get delivery—check their social media for hours. 104 S. 18th Street, Rittenhouse, 215-444-6144
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RENATA’S KITCHEN
You can still get Renata’s Mediterranean dishes like chicken mohammara, fried halloumi, shakshuka and more, plus six-packs of beer. Text RENATA to 33733 to get priority order status and access to special menus. Pickup and delivery available Tuesday-Friday, 10am-11pm and Saturday-Sunday, 9am-11pm. 3940 Baltimore Avenue, West Philly, 267-275-8254
SAZON RESTAURANT & CAFÉ
Chef Judith Suzarra-Campbell is still serving her Venezuelan dishes like empanadas, arepas, yuca frita and asado negro—and hers is one of the few kitchens in Philly that serves food late. Open for pickup and delivery Tuesday-Thursday, 5-11pm and Friday-Sunday, 5pm-1am. 1308 W. Girard Ave, 215-763-2500
SOY CAFE
Avocado grapefruit salad, mushroom miso soup, hot ham-and-cheese toast, mango mama smoothie… get these—and more—vegan treats from Soy Cafe. Open for pickup or delivery Monday-Friday, 9am-9pm; Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. 630 N. 2nd St., Northern Liberties, 215-922-1003
WINNIE’S MANAYUNK
The all-day menu at Winnie’s includes a wide variety of dishes like paella, vegetarian enchiladas and rigatoni bolognese. Open Monday-Saturday, 11am-9pm and Sunday, 11am-4pm for pickup or delivery. 4266 Main Street, Manayunk, 215-487-2663
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